Botox could help cure erectile dysfunction in men, study finds

Medical data suggests that more than half of the male population will experience a form of erectile dysfunction in their lifetime. Although not uncommon, it is a condition that most men are uncomfortable talking about. Apart from accessing Viagra which can be bought over-the-counter, there is hardly any treatment for the condition. But now, scientists are confident Botox could help men achieve and maintain an erection.

‘Clear benefits’

A team of Belgian researchers has found that injecting the anti-wrinkle medication into the penis offers ‘a clear benefit’ for men struggling with erectile dysfunction. They arrived at this conclusion after closely analysing seven separate studies conducted between 1990 and 2021 involving a total of 362 men.

In a paper published in the journalUrology, the scientists say by injecting Botox (a muscle relaxant usually injected into the face) into the penis, the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels in the penis are smoothened, helping to improve erections. Lead author and urologist, Dr. Rawad Abou Zahr explained:

As for the duration of benefit from the BoNT-A [Botox] injections, the above studies described a clear benefit within the first three months of treatment. This benefit seems to regress reaching the six months period. This sheds the light on the importance of maintenance regimens in such patients.

However, the effect of Botox among participants only improved erections for about three months.

Size matters

Although this study is promising, more trials need to be conducted as it turns out, size does matter after all. The sample size of 362 over a 30-year period is just too small to recommend Botox on a large scale, the researchers cautioned. The study added:

ICI of BoNT-A (Botox) should currently be limited to clinical studies to further elucidate its clinical benefit.

Additionally, Botox is not approved for use as treatment for erectile dysfunction in the US and UK although studies such as this have proved its efficacy.

Sources used:

Daily Mail: Botox to beat erectile dysfunction! Injections straight into penis 'can help impotent men'

New York Post: Botox helps men conquer erectile dysfunction, research finds